Best Cafes to Work From in San Francisco

Since the dawn of the Internet, what was once a place to sip a latte over the morning paper is now also a place to plug in your laptop, caffeinate and get work done. We’re referring to coffee shops. This is especially true for cafes in San Francisco, where many entrepreneurs and tech gurus are busy building the next big thing without consistent access to an office. Luckily cafes have stayed ahead of the curve, providing generous table space, power outlets, reliable WiFi, ample food options and plenty of strong coffee.

While the baristas grind coffee beans, grind away at whatever it is that pays your bills at these 10 best cafes to work from in San Francisco.

1. Atlas Cafe

This understated café in the Mission District has a sizeable indoor space with plenty of power outlets, plus back patio seating for when it’s nice enough to take your work outside. If you get hungry, order from their large menu of sweet treats, salads, sandwiches and personal pizzas. Beverages range from traditional coffee drinks to beer and wine.

2. Beacon Coffee and Pantry

This bright and airy North Beach café has it all: adequate seating, outlets, fast WiFi, light bites and specialty coffee. When you need a break, pop into the attached specialty market selling kitchen and lifestyle goods.

4. Contraband Coffee Bar

In the heart of SoMa, Contraband serves premium imported coffee in a uniquely designed space to spark your creativity. The drinks are unique, too, like the sage and rosemary latte. High ceilings, tall windows and an open floorplan keep you from feeling cooped up when you’re working for hours at a time.

6. Mercury Café

For those who like a relaxed, quaint cafe to work from, Mercury Café is your neighborhood go-to. Everything is as local and organic as possible, from the pour-over coffee to the small-batch baked goods. You’ll forget you’re in the trendy, emerging Hayes Valley neighborhood.

7. Philz Coffee

You may recognize Philz from the HBO series Silicon Valley, depicted as the caffeine depot of choice among young professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area. Considering it’s now a venture capital-funded operation, the portrayal is quite accurate. There are several in San Francisco proper, but the Castro location is laid-back, spacious and in prime people-watching territory for when you need a breather.

8. Rise & Grind Coffee and Tea

If you find yourself away from the hustle-and-bustle of SoMa and in the Inner Richmond District, rise and grind and head to Rise & Grind Coffee and Tea. In addition to the free WiFi, generous table space and power outlets, the café is dog-friendly and located right across from Golden Gate Park.

9. Réveille Coffee Co.

Another North Beach coffee shop with convenient access to the Financial District, Réveille Coffee Co. looks like it’s straight out of a café enthusiast’s Instagram account. When you’re not busy staging the perfect photo of your matcha latte next to a succulent plant, there’s good WiFi, outlets, a simple coffee menu and hearty salads.

10. The Station SF

Do you like strong coffee, comfortable chairs and quick service? Head to The Station SF in the Financial District for short lines and even a self-checkout system for refrigerated coffee drinks and food. You’ll have more time to toil away on your laptop and get stuff done.